A new 26-seat “cocktail playground” has just opened opposite Maxwell MRT, promising a rotating concept that evolves every few months with interactive touches and a food menu from a Michelin-starred chef.
Singapore’s bar scene just got a fascinating new player. Hi Stranger, located directly across from Exit 3 of Maxwell MRT on Neil Road, joins notable neighbors like The Store and Side Door. What sets this intimate venue apart is its shape-shifting identity: every few months, the founders will overhaul the bar’s theme, decor, and menu, keeping regulars on their toes. For now, the debut concept—“A World Aglow”—draws inspiration from the 2022 documentary Fire of Love, which follows two French volcanologists.
The Vibe: From Sunny Café to Volcanic Glow
During daylight hours, Hi Stranger feels more like an airy café than a cocktail den. The centerpiece is a cozy dining area beneath an open skylight that floods the space with natural light, flanked by semi-private booths. As evening falls, the room shifts into a warm, reddish glow—evoking lava flows that echo the documentary’s volcanic theme. The main bar counter near the entrance offers a communal, energetic vibe for those who prefer to sit at the action.
Founders Bastien Renard and Roomi Luo plan to refresh the entire concept every few months, including visuals, music playlists, and menus. This constant evolution aims to keep the experience fresh for repeat visitors.
Near the back, a scent wall—similar to those in fragrance boutiques—lets guests smell the bar’s spirits before ordering. Offerings include St. Germain elderflower liqueur and the rare Savanna Rum from Réunion Island, available exclusively at Hi Stranger. This setup is designed to demystify cocktail ordering for newcomers, giving them a sense of a spirit’s profile before committing to a full drink.
The Drinks: Boozy Minimalism with Interactive Tools
Unsure what to order? Grab Hi Stranger’s wooden flavor tool—a hand-carved block created by Renard’s father—which helps narrow down taste preferences. The bar’s extensive menu features 29 cocktails: 20 classics and nine seasonal signatures tied to the current theme.
Drinks lean minimalist and boozy, typically containing no more than six ingredients to let the base spirit shine. Notable options include:
- Funky Daiquiri ($26): Jamaican rum with lime juice, syrup, and a whisper of chili.
- Basil Martini ($26): A dirty martini with olive brine and three olives, lifted by a gentle basil finish.
- Kaffir Martini ($26): A stiff, dry pour of gin infused with kaffir lime leaves and dry vermouth.
- The Naughty Martini ($28): The bar’s headliner, blending Savanna rum from Réunion Island, Jamaican rum, and gin.
- The Krafft Negroni ($25): A smoky twist on the classic, inspired by volcanologist Moris Krafft, with a mezcal float that mellows over time.
A hidden gem: watch for the “Catch The Ramos” sign. When it lights up, guests have a brief window to order the day’s only Ramos Gin Fizz—an off-menu cocktail snapped up by the swiftest.
The Food: Elevated Bites from a Michelin-Alumni Chef
Chef Edwin Tay, formerly of Michelin-starred restaurants Nouri and Rhubarb, oversees the food menu—far beyond standard pub fare. Must-tries include the prawn toast ($12) layered with sesame and mayo, and the miso cabbage with chopped cashews and garlic purée ($16).
For lighter snacking, the fried mushrooms with soy emulsion ($12) and Brazilian cheese bread ($12) deliver. Heartier options include Korean wheat noodles with stir-fried clams ($22) and the standout Spanish octopus ($48) —succulent chunks atop romesco sauce with baby potatoes, surprisingly well-executed for a cocktail bar.
Tips and Rating
Time Out rates Hi Stranger 4 out of 5, praising its interactive touches, beginner-friendly approach, and food that goes beyond predictable bar snacks. Tip: Visit between 6pm and 8pm daily for a complimentary prawn toast with each cocktail.
Broader Impact
Hi Stranger represents a growing trend in Singapore’s bar scene: experiential venues that prioritize novelty and sensory engagement over static concepts. As the city’s cocktail landscape becomes increasingly competitive, this model of rotating themes and interactive ordering could inspire other operators to rethink the traditional bar experience. For now, it’s a compelling addition to Neil Road’s lineup and one of the most intriguing bar openings in Singapore this year.